CNC Cutting

CNC Cutting: Precision, Efficiency, and Customization in Plastic Manufacturing

In today's competitive industrial environment, manufacturers need precision, repeatability, and speed to satisfy the rising need for custom, high-quality parts. With the method of CNC cutting, you can achieve all of this and more. CNC cutting is a computer-controlled process that provides superior results across a wide variety of materials.

Welch Plastics is a custom plastic manufacturer based in Las Vegas that combines the use of advanced CNC cutting services, assisting clients with their unique custom plastic fabrication needs. No matter if you are a business owner, product developer, or industrial designer, CNC technology allows you to bring your ideas to life efficiently and accurately.

What is CNC Cutting?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutting is the use of an advanced automated machining process, using tools and machinery controlled by pre-programmed computer software. CNC cutting encompasses the following processes:

• Cutting
• Carving
• Engraving
• Shaping

CNC machines can cut, carve, engrave, or shape other materials aside from plastic. Common materials we have CNC-cut include:

• Plastic (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, HDPE, etc.)
• Metal (aluminum, steel)
• Wood
• Composites
• Foam
• Glass

The automated process reduces much of the human error associated with manual cutting, allowing manufacturers to produce precise parts from the prototype to full-scale production. CNC machines follow digital design files, allowing a manufacturer to produce complex, repeatable parts in a faster, cheaper, and more efficient way than more traditional methods.

Welch Plastics has custom CNC cutting capabilities for plastic materials up to 6’ x 10’ in size and up to 2 inches thick - as a result, we are a highly sought custom plastic fabrication company for large-format and detailed plastic projects.

Why would I use CNC cutting in my plastic manufacturing? 

Precision cutting using CNC holds many advantages in the world of plastic manufacturing and customized fabrication because: 

✅ 1. Accuracy and Precision

The CNC machine provides little variation and tolerance within a very tight range. Industries such as aerospace and electronics employ CNC because of the precision required in many of their processes. 

✅ 2. Efficiency and Speed 

CNC machines only require a digital design to be loaded, and when they are cutting, they can cut quickly with little to no supervision. This increases production speed and decreases labor cost. 

✅ 3. Complex Geometries 

CNC cutting can produce complex geometries, including a 3D logo, architectural panel, or intricate component that would be unreasonable to manufacture by hand and would be very expensive to make through a conventional CNC cutter that requires a small operator section. 

✅ 4. Multiple Possible ShortcutED 

CNC equipment can be used for a variety of materials: acrylic, HDPE, polycarbonate, ABS, expanded PVC, and aluminum, among other plastics, making CNC equipment relevant to plastic manufacturing applications. 

✅ 5. Less Waste = Lower Cost 

Since CNC cuts with precision, it wastes less material, which decreases cost and contributes to a more sustainable process. 

Welch Plastics CNC Cutting Services 

As a full-service plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas, we offer a variety of CNC cutting services that can be customized to fit your specific project: 

🔹 1. CNC Router Cutting & Carving 

Can be used to cut, while cutting, and engrave plastics, woods, foam, and soft metals. Suitable for custom signs, exhibits, forms, and decorative panels

• Great for larger pieces up to 6' x 10'
• Can be cut precisely using 3D carving
• Use Cases:
  • For the insomniac's f1 global activation, we created peanuts characters cut from 3/16" clear polycarbonate with vinyl art fronting it-- a good example of high-spec router cutting.

🔹 2nd: CNC Laser Cutting

Laser cutting gives you clean, crisp edges and very detailed cuts--probably the highest success rate on thin plastics and delicate materials.

• Best for: signs, decorative panels, lettering automotive pieces
• Almost no heat distortion--
• A very high degree of precision

🔹 3rd: CNC plasma cutting

• Best for cutting thicker metals such as steel or aluminum and doing so at a high speed.
• Good for metal works, internal industries, metal frames, and construction
• Higher cut speed gets you faster item turnaround
• Good cut quality means less post-process

🔹 4th: CNC Waterjet Cutting

• Is a cold cutting process that uses high-pressure water (and with an additive abrasive material).
• Great for heat-sensitive materials (like rubber, acrylic, laminated plastics, glass)
• Doesn't melt or distort while cutting--yup, that's good in the best in class routers--makes it sit better.
• #High keep edges clean (typical) with the most integrity (thick durable) for upcoming use--FY needed.

🔹 5th: CNC Milling & CNC Engraving

CNC milling is a mechanical material removal process that uses rotary cutting tools with the capability to fine detail shape, engrave, and 3D machine them at once. Used for prototyping, mold making, and custom parts.

• Well-known for use in the medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics sectors.
• CNC cutting can also be used with plastics such as acrylic, ABS, and polycarbonate.

Industries using CNC Cutting Services:

CNC cutting is widely used in a variety of industries. Here are a few industries serviced as a plastic fabrication company: